SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 153

BYHouse Committee on Human Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Brekke, Winsley, Sutherland, H. Sommers, Leonard, Jacobsen, Moyer, Scott, Padden, R. King, Patrick, Lewis, Wang, Sanders, Miller and Brough; by request of Department of Social and Health Services)

Requiring reports of abuse of developmentally disabled persons.

House Committe on Human Services

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Wojahn, Chairman; Stratton, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Deccio, Johnson, Kiskaddon, Kreidler, Tanner.

Senate Staff:Carol Pedigo (786-7417)

                  March 31, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES & CORRECTIONS, MARCH 30, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Under current law (Chapter 26.44 RCW), it is mandatory for specified professionals to report abuse and neglect of children and adult dependent persons. An adult dependent persons is defined as one who requires a court appointed guardian. However, most developmentally disabled persons have not been determined to need a guardian. This construction of the law effectively exempts all professionals dealing with these developmentally disabled persons from the statutory mandate to report cases of abuse or neglect.

SUMMARY:

The Act requiring the reporting of episodes of abuse and/or neglect of children and adult dependent children is clarified to include developmentally disabled persons as well.  Gender-related terminology is clarified.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: No one